Bolt & barrel question for the pros.

Kc.338Lp

Kc.338Lp

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Hey everyone , im currently in the process of USGI'ing my Norinco and had a question that i cant seem to resolve or anyone has brought up in the past.

Alot of people i notice change out their norinco bolts for USGI bolts when building up their rifles . I have seen it mentioned that when this is done your no longer able to fire 7.62 branded ammunition only commercial .308 ammunition and in essence have a "match chamber" .

I was wondering if you also installed a USGI barrel with your USGI bolt would it be possible to match the headspace to still allow you to fire 7.62 instead of just commercial .308 .
 
.308 Match headspace is 1.630" The ideal match chamber for an M1A/M14 is considered to be 1.631" -1.632" by many custom builders.
I have had several rifles over the years that came in at 1.631" (2 M1A's and one custom Polytech). They all fired 7.62 Nato just fine with no issues, I never had a problem.

Changing to usgi barrel won't do anything. If you're really worried about it and want a Nato match chamber (1.6355") you could get a Krieger barrel as they are short chambered and have the smith ream the chamber to Nato match.

IMO 1.630" is a little tight for Nato. Above that you're fine. Just don't use s**tty primers if you reload the cases!!!
 
:agree:
Although 1 of my Norinco rifle's came with 1.65 headspace so I did not see the need to change my barrel and bolt. I also prefer 7.62 NM headspacing. If you want bolt accuarcy get a bolt action.
 
with the sad lack of accurate and available 7.62 surplus ammo why would you want to setup a rifle for one? Learn how to reload, buy some supplies and feed that pig with custom loads that will do circles around crappy ball ammo.
 
Its not about building a custom match rifle , Im in the process of changing out certain parts for USGI (because i want to) and i wanted to know before i blew the money on a usgi barrel and bolt down the road if i would lose the 7.62 ability considering the m14 was originally made to fire 7.62 ..

I am getting into reloading in the next two weeks so thats not an issue either its just if i found some surplus it would be nice to be able to shoot it too. or if i wanted to reload 7.62 cases. mostly personal preference. im not looking for a sub moa rifle by any means its just my range plinker.
 
Just have the bolt lapped to 1.632" when you have your rifle built and you're good to go. The usgi barrel will draw up in the same location as the norc. Its bolt lapping that sets headspace with chrome lined barrels. Non-chrome lined NM barrels can be finish reamed to whatever. Care must be taken to not wear through the surface hardening when lapping the bolt.
 
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